Replies

1. 
   Piccioni | Aug 29, 2006 08:33pm | #1

   Well, I wouldn't be surprised, at least if you are in the US. The US dollar has depreciated relative to the loonie by about 30% since 2002, and 10% this year alone. Leigh being an upstanding fine canajun company would pay for most things in loonie, so, if the market would bear it, it would make sense for them to try raise prices.

   With the exception of stuff like the Leigh jig, Lee Valley wouldn't have the same flexibility. Right now, in loonies, the spread between a Veritas plane and a Lie-Neilson is about 10% and I'd go for the LN at that price.

   I'm actually surprised you don't see more price inflation in the US due to massive reliance on imported goods (humungous trade deficit) and a weakening currency.

   Batten down the hatches ...

1. 
   mapleman | Aug 30, 2006 08:14am | #2

   Pic,

   Not to hijack the thread, but speaking of price increases... Called Woodworker's Supply to place an order last week, had a 1 month old catalog, wanted to order a pair of 50" Bessey K-body clamps. $36.99 each. WRONG! Sir there has been a price increase, new price $49.99! That's right, $13 more per clamp. Some of them went up $20. Also, cheap bulk cabinet knobs (I build kitchen cabinets) $10.79 for 10 knobs. WRONG! New price in catalog $30.99 for 10. How do you justify a 200% price increase in a month? Sorry for ranting, I had to get that off my chest.

   Lee

1. 
   smslaw | Aug 30, 2006 01:58pm | #3

   You might check Amazon for the Bessey K clamps.  About a month ago, I got two 50 inch and two 24 inch, plus blocks, for about $95, incluing shipping.  It was described as some sort of door kit.

1. 
   mapleman | Aug 30, 2006 07:30pm | #6

   SM,

   I'll definitely check into that, thanks

   Lee

2. 
   aaronb | Aug 30, 2006 04:41pm | #4

   I wonder why that is, if i recall correctly just about every place was having fire sales on Bessey clamps not that long ago. Too bad, K-bodies are as addictive as cigarettes and I for one will never own enough of them. You could also check into the jorgenson clamp that is a k-body type design, probably not much less in price.

   Aaorn

1. 
   mapleman | Aug 30, 2006 07:29pm | #5

   Aaron,

   K-bodies are as addictive as cigarettes

   You're right about that! I will be using the gross stabil's now that they are a few bucks cheaper. I have 4 of those and they are killer, in my opinion a lot better than the K-bodys. And all the parts are replaceable (not sure if that's the case with the besseys)

   Lee

1. 
   Rennie | Aug 30, 2006 07:34pm | #7

   You're right about that! I will be using the gross stabil's now that they are a few bucks cheaper.

   I was in Woodcraft the other day and they were sellng off the "Scott Phiiilps" signature clamps at a reduced price - no longer going to carry these I was told.Rennie

   A man is a fool if he drinks before he reaches the age of 50, and a fool if he doesn't afterward. Frank Lloyd Wright